Imported Dogs Posing Risk to UK, RSPCA Warns
Date Published: 28 July 2025
The RSPCA has raised alarm over the growing number of dogs imported into the UK without proper health checks or behavioural assessments, warning they may pose risks to public health and safety.
Many of these animals are brought in from countries such as Romania, Ukraine, and North Macedonia, and are sold via online marketplaces or social media with little more than a video and short form. David Bowles of the RSPCA called it a “Deliveroo for dogs”.
Growing Cases of Brucella Canis
Of particular concern is Brucella Canis, a contagious bacterial disease that can affect both dogs and humans. In 2024, over 330 canine cases were investigated — up from just three in 2020. One confirmed case of human transmission has been recorded in the UK.
Derbyshire dog owner Trudy Cain discovered her Romanian rescue dog, Nola, was Brucella-positive four months after adoption. Despite the risks, she refused a vet’s advice to put the dog to sleep. “It just breaks my heart,” she said. “I wanted to do a good thing and now I feel like I’ve done a bad thing.”
Behavioural Red Flags
Other adopters have faced unexpected aggression and trauma in dogs placed without proper matching. Sian Keen in Somerset adopted a pregnant rescue from Ukraine. But following a quarantine ordered by Trading Standards, her dog Narla returned fearful and ultimately bit both Sian and her son. Narla was later put to sleep.
The rescue charity involved, Paw Help UK, stated that only one batch of documents was forged and blamed the situation on the war in Ukraine disrupting lab testing options.
Industry Under Pressure
UK-based shelters say they’re dealing with the fallout. Emma Shaffery from Forest Dog Rescue in Worcestershire explained, “We’re basically mopping up after rescues that aren’t taking responsibility for their dogs.”
Some dogs are arriving at 3am to homes they’ve never seen, with adopters relying only on a few photos. “It blows my mind,” she added.
Calls for Licensing
Unlike Scotland, which requires dog rescues to be licensed, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have no such legal requirement. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said all organisations must meet basic welfare standards, and advised the public to choose rescues who are members of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes.
This isn’t the first time animal welfare procedures have come under scrutiny. A dog petting experience was shut down earlier this year after a court case exposed severe welfare issues.
Final Thoughts
While many overseas rescue organisations act with good intentions, the current lack of regulation risks public health, pet welfare, and owner safety. Licensing and proper behavioural vetting aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials. If the UK wants to remain a nation of animal lovers, it must also become a nation of responsible adopters.
